Nicky Weimar is the Chief Economist of Nedbank Group and one of South Africa’s established economic commentators, with more than three decades of experience spanning economic research, government policy, banking, securities and financial markets.
Appointed Chief Economist in February 2020, following two decades as Nedbank’s Senior Economist, Nicky has developed extensive expertise in analysing the economic forces shaping South Africa’s business environment, investment landscape and long-term growth prospects.
She holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Stellenbosch University, obtained in 1994. Early in her career, she served as an economist in the Central Economic Advisory Service, subsequently incorporated into the Office of the President, where she advised government on economic policy and procedures. This experience provided her with an understanding of the relationship between public policy, economic development and financial markets.
Her subsequent career across the banking, securities and broking industries broadened her expertise in macroeconomic analysis, sector performance, fixed investment, financial market developments and economic forecasting.
At Nedbank, Nicky leads economic analysis focused on the factors influencing business and investment decisions. Her work examines economic growth cycles, inflation, interest rates, exchange-rate movements, consumer spending, business confidence and investment trends, while assessing the impact of domestic and international developments on South Africa’s economic performance.
Her analysis also explores the structural challenges affecting South Africa’s competitiveness, including infrastructure constraints, energy security, logistics, government finances, international trade and the policy reforms required to unlock sustainable economic growth.
Nicky is a regular speaker at business conferences, financial industry forums, investment summits and corporate events. She is recognised for translating complex economic information into accessible, commercially relevant insights that help executives, investors and business leaders understand the opportunities and risks emerging within an evolving economic landscape.
Her presentations combine historical economic perspectives, current market developments and forward-looking analysis, providing audiences with a clearer understanding of the forces influencing South Africa’s economic future.
Career Highlights & Achievements
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Chief Economist, Nedbank Group (2020–present): Appointed in February 2020, leading the bank’s economic analysis and outlook.
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Senior Economist, Nedbank (2000–2020): Served for approximately 20 years, developing extensive experience in macroeconomic research and financial market analysis.
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Government Economic Advisory Experience: Previously advised on economic policy through the Central Economic Advisory Service.
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Academic Qualification: Master’s degree in Economics, Stellenbosch University, 1994.
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2025 Nedgroup Investments Summit: Featured as a principal economic speaker at the summit held across Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban, addressing global debt, interest rates, investment conditions and South Africa’s structural reform challenges.
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2026 Morningstar Investment Conference: Presented Global Realities, Local Opportunity: Mapping South Africa’s Road Ahead, exploring international trade, inflation, economic reform, government finances and investment prospects.
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2026 Nedgroup Investments Treasurers’ Conference: Addressed South Africa’s economic recovery, weak investment, inflation pressures and export challenges.
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Economic Commentary & Thought Leadership: Regularly contributes economic perspectives on national budgets, monetary policy, interest rates and South Africa’s financial outlook.
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Corporate & Industry Engagement: Has presented to major corporations, government entities, business forums, property organisations and financial industry audiences across South Africa.
Keynote Speaking Topics
Nicky’s economic expertise makes her particularly relevant for leadership conferences, financial services events, investment forums and corporate strategy sessions.
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South Africa’s Economic Outlook – Challenges & Opportunities: Understanding growth prospects, structural constraints, economic reform and the country’s future trajectory.
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The Global Economy & Its Impact on South Africa: Exploring geopolitical uncertainty, international trade, global financial markets and emerging economic risks.
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Interest Rates, Inflation & the Rand: Examining monetary policy, currency fluctuations, consumer confidence and the implications for businesses and investors.
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The Future of the South African Economy: Assessing infrastructure, energy, logistics, investment and policy reforms required for sustainable economic growth.
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Economic Trends Shaping Business & Investment: Helping business leaders interpret economic cycles, changing market conditions and investment opportunities.
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South Africa’s Fiscal Outlook & National Budget: Understanding government spending, taxation, public debt and the implications for economic stability.
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Navigating Economic Uncertainty: Providing business leaders with a macroeconomic perspective on resilience, financial risk and long-term strategic planning.
Why Book Nicky Weimar?
Nicky offers audiences a combination of economic expertise, financial market knowledge and practical business insight. Her experience across both government and the private sector enables her to explain the complex relationship between economic policy, business performance and investment confidence.
Her keynote presentations are particularly suited to senior executives, CEOs, CFOs, investors, financial professionals, corporate decision-makers and industry leaders seeking an informed perspective on South Africa’s economic position within the broader global economy.
With a career spanning more than 30 years, Nicky brings depth, credibility and a clear understanding of the economic factors that influence strategic business decisions.
Ideal for: Economic outlook conferences, financial services summits, banking and investment forums, corporate leadership conferences, property and development events, and executive strategy sessions.
